Connection March/April 2024
In this Issue …
Vulcan Materials Company Supports Heavy Equipment Operator Program.................................4
Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm Announces Scholarship......................5
Student NAVTA Chapter Wins First-Place Award for Student Involvement Project........12
Gene Haas Foundation Presents $500,000 Donation to TCTC Foundation In Support of CNC Lab The Gene Haas Foundation presented on February 28 a $500,000 donation to TCTC’s Foundation to support and enhance the CNC Advanced Manufacturing Lab at the Industrial Technology Center. The CNC lab is now named the Gene Haas Advanced Manufacturing Lab. The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999 by Gene Haas, founder and owner of Haas Automation, Inc., to support the needs Kathy Looman, director of education grants, scholarships and of the local community through grants. sponsorships for the Haas Foundation, far left, and President DeHay, Seeing a growing need for skilled fifth from left, pose with faculty Paul Phelps, Daniel Harbin, Gerald manufacturing employees industryMaxie and Courtney White. wide, the Foundation expanded its mission to include support for manufacturing training programs throughout North America and beyond. The Gene Haas Foundation is a longtime supporter of TCTC’s manufacturing programs, and this is the company’s most generous gift. Since 2015, they have donated $465,000 in support of CNC student scholarships and certifications. “This significant gift will continue to strengthen TCTC’s solid manufacturing programs and aid in the College’s commitment to training a skilled workforce,” said Courtney White, executive director of the TCTC Foundation. Specifically, this donation will help provide state-of-the-art CNC equipment and a learning lab replicating today’s workplace. “Tri-County Technical College developed the CNC Programming and Operations program in collaboration with local industry to meet current and emerging workforce needs,” said President DeHay. “Regional labor market data reveals significant growth over the next decade in machining jobs that require a postsecondary credential.” Manufacturing remains the highest-growing industry in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties, with manufacturing jobs expected to grow by 23% in the next 10 years. “It is vital that TCTC attract and train enough machinists to meet the demands of local manufacturers,” he said. “Our advisory committee has validated the ongoing and long-term workforce needs, and we have developed partnerships with local school districts to create a dual enrollment pathway into the CNC Programming and Operations degree. In addition, we offer rapid entry and
(continued on page 9)